U.S. patent application number 10/719407 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for compression garments and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Julius Zorn, Inc.. Invention is credited to Scott, Edwin R., Zorn, Annerose.
Application Number | 20050113729 10/719407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34591315 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050113729 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scott, Edwin R. ; et
al. |
May 26, 2005 |
Compression garments and related methods
Abstract
A compression garment for compressing a portion of a body of a
patient includes a tubular body. The body includes an outer layer
and an inner layer secured to the outer layer. The inner layer at
least partially bounds a channel adapted to receive a portion of a
body of a patient. The inner layer includes a backing having a
plurality of pressure projections extending therefrom. A layer of
compressible cushioning material is disposed between the outer
layer and the inner layer. Compression straps are disposed on the
body for selectively constricting the body.
Inventors: |
Scott, Edwin R.; (Cedar
Hills, UT) ; Zorn, Annerose; (Gates Mills,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER
(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
Julius Zorn, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34591315 |
Appl. No.: |
10/719407 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/019 |
International
Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A compression garment for compressing a portion of a body of a
patient, the compression garment comprising: a garment body
comprising: an outer layer; an inner layer secured to the outer
layer, the inner layer at least partially bounding a channel
adapted to receive a portion of a body of a patient, the inner
layer comprising: a backing comprising a woven fabric sheet or a
perforated polymeric sheet having an interior surface facing the
channel; and plurality of pressure projections extending from the
backing toward the channel, the pressure projections being
integrally formed with or mounted on the backing; and a layer of
compressible cushioning material disposed between the outer layer
and the inner layer.
2. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the garment
body comprises a tubular sleeve adapted to receive an arm or leg of
the patient.
3. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the backing
comprises the woven fabric sheet and the pressure projections are
integrally woven into the woven fabric sheet.
4. A compression garment as recited in claim 3, wherein the inner
layer comprises a corduroy material.
5. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
pressure projections comprise a plurality of elongated ribs.
6. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
pressure projections are sewn or secured by an adhesive to the
backing.
7. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a cover layer mounted to the inner layer so as to directly cover
the pressure projections.
8. A compression garment as recited in claim 7, wherein the cover
layer comprises a sheet of resiliently stretchable material.
9. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of compression straps secured to or encircling the
garment body.
10. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the inner
layer does not comprise a polymeric foam.
11. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the
garment body has an interior surface and an exterior surface with a
maximum non-compressed thickness extending therebetween in a range
between about 0.5 cm and about 2 cm.
12. A compression garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer
layer is comprised of a sheet of woven fabric material.
13. A compression garment for compressing at least a portion of an
arm or a leg of a patient, the compression garment comprising: a
body having a substantially tubular configuration or having the
form of a panel that can be selectively rolled into a substantially
tubular configuration, the body comprising: an outer layer; an
inner layer secured to the outer layer, the inner layer at least
partially bounding an elongated channel adapted to receive at least
a portion of an arm or a leg of a patient, the inner layer
comprising: a woven fabric sheet having an interior surface facing
the channel; and plurality of pressure projections extending from
the fabric sheet toward the channel, the pressure projective being
integrally formed with or mounted on the fabric sheet; and a layer
of resiliently compressible foam disposed between the outer layer
and the inner layer; and means for constricting at least a portion
of the body when the body is in the at least substantially tubular
configuration.
14. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the
pressure projections are integrally woven into the woven fabric
sheet.
15. A compression garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the inner
layer comprises a corduroy material.
16. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the
pressure projections are mounted onto to the woven fabric
sheet.
17. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the
pressure projections comprise brushed cotton, a brushed polymeric
material, woven fabric, or piled fabric.
18. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the
pressure projections do not comprises polymeric foam.
19. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, further
comprising an cover layer mounted on the inner layer so as to
directly cover the pressure projections.
20. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the means
for constricting at least a portion of the body comprises a
plurality of compression straps secured to or encircling the
garment body.
21. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the means
for constricting at least a portion of the body comprises a
resiliently stretchable tubular sock that can be selectively pulled
over the body.
22. A compression garment as recited in claim 13, wherein the body
comprises: a tubular sleeve configured to receive an arm of the
patient; and a tubular hand portion configured to receive a hand of
the patient.
23. A compression garment as recited in claim 22, wherein the
tubular sleeve has a thickness and the tubular hand portion has a
thickness that is greater than the thickness of the tubular
sleeve.
24. A method for manufacturing a compression sleeve, the method
comprising: stretching a cover layer comprised of a resiliently
stretchable sheet of material; either before or after stretching
the cover layer, applying an adhesive to at least an exterior
surface of the cover layer or an interior surface of an inner
layer, the inner layer having a plurality of spaced apart pressure
projections on the interior surface; securing the exterior surface
of the stretched cover layer to the interior surface of the inner
layer; and either before or after securing the stretched cover
layer to the inner layer, attaching an outer layer over an exterior
surface of the inner layer, the combined cover layer, inner layer,
and outer layer forming a body.
25. A method as recited in claim 24, further comprising securing
the body into the form of a tubular sleeve.
26. A method as recited in claim 24, further comprising positioning
a layer of polymeric foam between the inner layer and the outer
layer.
27. A method as recited in claim 24, wherein the inner layer is
comprised of a corduroy material.
28. A compression garment system for compressing at least a portion
of an arm or a leg of a patient, the compression garment system
comprising: a body having a substantially tubular configuration or
having the form of a panel that can be selectively rolled into a
substantially tubular configuration, the body having an exterior
surface and an opposing interior surface, the interior surface
bounding a channel configured to receive at least a portion of an
arm or a leg of a patient; a plurality of compression straps
removably disposed on the exterior surface of the body, each
compression strap being configured to selectively constrict around
the body when the body is in the substantially tubular
configuration; and a tubular compression sock comprised of a
resiliently stretchable material, the compression sock being
configured to encircle at least a portion of the body when the body
is in the substantially tubular configuration so as to radially
inwardly compress the body when the compression straps are removed
from the body.
29. A compression garment system as recited in claim 28, wherein
the body comprises an inner layer, the inner layer comprising: a
backing comprising a woven fabric sheet or a perforated polymeric
sheet having an interior surface facing the channel; and plurality
of pressure projections extending from the backing toward the
channel, the pressure projections being integrally formed with or
mounted on the backing.
30. A compression garment system as recited in claim 29, wherein
the inner layer comprises a corduroy material.
31. A compression garment system as recited in claim 29, wherein
the body comprises an outer layer secured to the inner layer, the
outer layer comprising a sheet of woven fabric.
32. A compression garment system as recited in claim 31, further
comprising a layer of polymeric foam disposed between the inner
layer and the outer layer.
33. A compression garment for compressing at least a portion of an
arm or a leg of a patient, the compression garment comprising: a
body comprising: a sleeve having a substantially tubular
configuration or having the form of a panel that can be selectively
rolled into a substantially tubular configuration, the sleeve
having an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface, the
interior surface bounding a channel configured to receive at least
a portion of an arm or a leg of a patient; and a terminal portion
mounted at an end of the sleeve, the terminal portion having an
interior surface encircling a channel adapted to receive a hand or
foot of the patient, the terminal portion being configured to apply
progressive pressure along the length of the hand or the foot when
received therein without the use of an external pressure force; and
a plurality of compression straps connected to or removably
disposed on the exterior surface of the sleeve, each of the
compression straps being configured to selectively constrict around
the sleeve when the compression sleeve is in the substantially
tubular configuration.
34. A compression garment as recited in claim 33, wherein no
compression straps are mounted on or encircle the terminal portion
of the body.
35. A compression garment as recited in claim 33, wherein the body
comprises an inner layer, the inner layer comprising: a backing
comprising a woven fabric sheet or a perforated polymeric sheet
having an interior surface facing the channel; and plurality of
pressure projections extending from the backing toward the channel,
the pressure projections being integrally formed with or mounted on
the backing.
36. A compression garment as recited in claim 35, wherein the inner
layer comprises a corduroy material.
37. A compression garment as recited in claim 35, wherein the body
comprises an outer layer secured to the inner layer, the outer
layer comprising a sheet of woven fabric.
38. A compression garment as recited in claim 37, further
comprising a layer of polymeric foam disposed between the inner
layer and the outer layer.
39. A method for applying pressure to an arm or leg of a patient,
the method comprising: inserting an arm or a leg of a patient into
a channel of a sleeve such that a corresponding hand or foot of the
patent is received within a channel of a terminal portion at the
end of the sleeve, the terminal portion being contoured to apply
progressive pressure to the hand or foot along the length thereof
without adjustment or applying external force to the terminal
portion; and applying an external pressure force to the sleeve over
the arm or leg of the patient so as to apply a compressive force to
the arm or leg, the external pressure force not being applied to
the terminal portion extending over the hand or foot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to compression garments and
related methods or treating lymphedema and other forms of
edema.
[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0005] Lymphedema is a chronic lifetime debilitation which is
characterized by swelling in the arms and/or legs. This swelling is
caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the extremities.
Lymphedema is typically caused by either congenital-disruption of
the normal lymphatic drainage system or by damage to the lymphatic
drainage system. For example, lymphedema is often caused by the
removal of lymph nodes which is due to the treatment of cancers
such as breast cancer and lymphatic cancer.
[0006] Treating lymphedema and other forms of edema typically
consists of a decongestive therapy wherein the unwanted fluid is
initially drained from the extremity. Maintenance therapy is then
used to prevent repeated accumulation of such fluid. Various forms
of compression garments which apply an external compressive force
to the patient's arms and/or legs have been used in the
decongestive and maintenance therapies. While compression garments
have met with some success, conventional compression garments have
several shortcomings. For example, most approaches to the
decongestive and maintenance therapies require a completely
separate type of compression garment. Accordingly, such therapies
have increased costs to the patient.
[0007] Furthermore, many compression garments are made of a thick
foam material which is bulky and awkward to use, difficult to
clean, and uncomfortable to wear in that it has poor breathability.
Such bulky compression garments can also be emotionally
uncomfortable in public in that they are highly conspicuous.
Inflatable compression garments also suffer from lack of
breathability and increased complexity. An additional problem with
many compression garments is their poor ability to drain the
unwanted fluid from the extremity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be
discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a patient having on various forms
of compression garments;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a compression garment used for
an arm of a patient as shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional side view of the
body of the compression garment shown in FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross sectional side view of the body
of the compression garment shown in FIG. 3 taken along lines
4-4;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a top plan view of an inner layer of the
compression garment shown in FIG. 4;
[0014] FIGS. 5B and 5C are top plan views of alternative
embodiments of the inner layer shown in FIG. 5A;
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are transverse cross sectional side views of
alternative embodiments of the body shown in FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 7 is the front view of the patient shown in FIG. 1
wherein the compression straps of the compression garment are being
replaced with a tubular sock; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a transverse cross sectional side view of an
alternative embodiment of the body shown in FIG. 4 having a
different layer configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present invention relates to compression garments and
related methods of use for treating lymphedema and other forms of
edema. Depicted in FIG. 1 are embodiments of several different
forms of pressure garments incorporating features of the present
invention. Specifically, a compression garment 10 is shown for use
over an arm and hand of a patient. Compression garment 12 is shown
for use over a leg and foot of a patient. In alternative
embodiments, compression garments 10 and 12 can be designed to only
cover an arm or leg (i.e., not cover the hand or foot) or portions
of an arm or leg. A compression garment 14 is also shown for use
around the abdomen and groin area. It is likewise appreciated that
compression garments can be formed for use over the chest area. In
still other embodiments, compression garments can be formed to
cover combined areas such as an arm and chest or leg and
abdomen.
[0019] Depicted in FIG. 2, compression garment 10 comprises an
elongated body 16 having a plurality of compression straps 100
mounted thereon. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, body 16 has an interior
surface 30 and an exterior surface 32 that each extend between a
proximal end 26 and an opposing distal end 28. Interior surface 30
bounds a channel 24 extending along the length of body 16. Body 16
further comprises a tubular sleeve 18 configured to receive an arm
of a patient and a substantially tubular hand portion 20 configured
to at least substantially receive a hand of a patient. As depicted
in FIG. 3, sleeve 18 has an interior surface 22 that bounds a
portion of channel 24. Sleeve 18 is configured so that channel 24
radially inwardly tapers from proximal end 26 to toward distal end
28. This tapered configuration of channel 24 enables an arm of a
patient to be received within channel 24 so that sleeve 18 produces
a compressive force along the length of the arm. In one embodiment
it is desired that the compressive force applied by sleeve 18
gradually increase proximal to distal. This helps to direct fluid
back toward the chest. In other embodiments, the applied pressure
can be substantially uniform.
[0020] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, sleeve 18 comprises a
flexible, substantially rectangular panel 40 having opposing sides
41 and 43. Sides 41 and 43 terminate at side edges 42 and 44,
respectively. Panel 40 has been partially rolled so that edges 42
and 44 are adjacently disposed. Sleeve 18 further comprises an
elongated, narrow bridge 46 which is secured to and extends between
sides 41 and 43 along the length of panel 40. The combined panel 40
and bridge 46 forms tubular sleeve 18.
[0021] Panel 40 is further shown as comprising an outer layer 50
having an interior surface 52; an inner layer 54 having an interior
surface 56 and an exterior surface 58; and an intermediate layer 60
disposed between outer layer 50 and inner layer 54. As with the
other layers, outer layer 50 is typically comprised of a flexible,
washable, and breathable material. Although outer layer 50 can
comprise a single integral layer, in the embodiment depicted, outer
layer 50 comprises an open cell polymeric foam layer 62 having a
backing 64 secured by an adhesive over an outer surface thereof.
Foam layer 62 typically has a thickness in a range between about 2
mm to about 15 mm with about 3 mm to about 7 mm being more common.
Other dimension can also be used. Backing 64 is typically made of a
breathable, washable fabric, such as cotton, woven nylon or the
like. Other breathable materials such as perforated extruded sheets
can also be used. Backing 64 provides an exposed, durable surface
that can be resiliently stretchable or static. In one embodiment,
outer layer 50 can comprise backing 64 without foam layer 62.
[0022] Intermediate layer 62 is comprised of a cushioning material
that is typically flexible, washable, and breathable. One type of
cushioning material is an open cell polymeric foam. Other
cushioning materials that can be used include closed cell polymeric
foam, conventional padding, and fabric padding such as the all in
one moldable fabric produced by McMurray Fabric out of Lincolnton,
N.C. Other materials can also be used. Intermediate layer 62 can
comprise one or more layers that are either separate or combined.
The one or more intermediate layers may or may not have backing.
Intermediate layer 62 typically has a thickness in a range between
about 2 mm to about 15 mm with about 3 mm to about 7 mm being more
common. Although other dimension can also be used, it is generally
desired to minimized the thickness of all foam layers so as to
improve breathability and decrease bulk.
[0023] Inner layer 54 comprises a backing 68 having an interior
surface 72. Backing 68 is typically flexible, washable, and
breathable. Mounted on or projecting from interior surface 72 of
backing 68 are a plurality of pressure projections 70. Pressure
projections 70 are spaced apart or are otherwise formed so that
recessed flow paths 74 are formed between or around pressure
projections 70. For example, as depicted in FIG. 5A, inner layer 54
can be comprised of a convention corduroy or ribbed fabric wherein
backing 68 comprises a base woven fabric layer and pressure
projections 70 comprises piled fabric woven into the base layer so
as to project therefrom in the form of linear rows. In alternative
embodiments pressure projections 70 need not be in linear rows but
can be curved, zigzagged, or any other desired configurations.
Although corduroy is typically comprised of cotton, other fibers
can also be used.
[0024] As depicted in FIG. 5B, pressure projections 70 need not be
in the form of ribs but can comprise patches. The patches can be
aligned as in FIG. 5B or randomly dispersed as depicted in FIG. 5C.
Likewise, the patches can be any desired shape or size. In contrast
to being a corduroy or corduroy type material wherein the backing
68 and pressure projections 70 are integrally woven together, it is
also appreciated that the pressure projections 70 in rib, patch, or
other configuration can be separately mounted onto backing 68 such
as by stitching, tape, adhesive, Velcro, fastener, or the like. In
these embodiments, backing 68 can comprise any breathable, woven
fabric material or any other type of breathable material such as
perforated polymeric sheets. Pressure projections 70 can be
comprised of various materials such as linear and combed pile,
brushed cotton or polymeric material, woven fabric, pillowed or
quilted material, conventional padding, and fabric padding such as
the all in one moldable fabric or the like. In yet other
embodiments, pressure projections 70 can be comprised of rubber of
jelled material such as silicone. Pressure projections 70 can also
be comprised of inflatable bladders.
[0025] As will be discussed below in greater detail, pressure
projections 70 are formed so that when sleeve 18 is received over
an arm, pressure projections 70 form a plurality of localized high
pressure areas on the arm separated by relative low pressure areas.
As previously discussed, the low pressure areas are typically
interconnected along the length of the arm so as to form flow paths
74 along the length of the arm. The general concept of the
compression garment is that by apply extra pressure to the arm, the
unwanted fluid naturally flows out of the arm toward the lower
pressure area in the chest. It has been discovered, however, that
by subjecting the arm to the high and low pressure areas, the
unwanted fluid within the arm can more easily and quickly flow
along the low pressure flow paths 74 toward the chest of the
patient. This is in contrast to some conventional pressure garments
wherein the garments apply a uniform high pressure over the entire
surface of the arm. In these embodiments, the uniform high pressure
applied over all surfaces of the arm can partially restrict the
free flow of fluid out of the arm.
[0026] In one embodiment it is preferred that inner layer 54 or at
least the portion thereof that directly contacts the surface of the
arm of the patient not be made of a polymeric foam. The polymeric
foam absorbs the oils and dirt from the arm and can be difficult to
fully clean. Such foam is also less durable. Furthermore, because
the polymeric foam is easily compressed, forming inner layer 54 out
of polymeric foam so as to produce the high and low pressure areas
requires inner layer 54, and particularly pressure projections 70,
to have significantly increased thickness. Increasing the thickness
of the foam, however, decreases breathability.
[0027] In contrast, by forming inner layer 54 out of corduroy or
the other materials as discussed above, inner layer 54 can be
easily cleaned. Furthermore, sleeve 18 can have a minimum thickness
while still providing for high and lower pressure regions. For
example, in one embodiment sleeve 18 has a thickness extending from
interior surface 30 to exterior surface 32 in a range between about
0.5 cm to about 3 cm with about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm being more
common. Other dimensions can also be used. As a result of having a
minimum thickness, sleeve 18 is more convenient to use, i.e., is
less bulky, has improved breathability making it more comfortable
to wear, and is less conspicuous in public use. Sleeve 18 can also
be easily cleaned by simply being washed in a conventional washing
machine. Furthermore, as will be discussed below in greater detail,
because of the low profile of sleeve 18, sleeve 18 can also be used
in all treatment phases of the various forms of edema.
[0028] Returning to FIG. 4, as previously mentioned bridge 46 is
used to connect opposing edges 41 and 43 of panel 40. In one
embodiment, bridge 46 comprises the same material as outer layer 50
of panel 40. Other materials can also be used. Such materials can
be resiliently stretchable or static. In the embodiment in FIG. 4,
bridge 46 is permanently attached to panel 40 such as by stitching,
adhesive, seaming, or the like. In an alternative embodiment as
depicted in FIG. 6A, a fastener can be mounted along one edge of
bridge 46 so as to removably secure one or both edges of bridge 46
to panel 40. This enables panel 40 to be wrapped around the arm of
the patient before it is secured in place. By way of example and
not by limitation, Velcro can be used to secure bridge 46 and panel
40. Specifically, hook material 80 is mounted on bridge 46 while
corresponding loop material 82 is mounted on the exterior of panel
40. In contrast to using Velcro, other fasteners such as button,
snaps, hooks, clasps, ties, or any other fastener can be used.
[0029] In yet other embodiments, it is appreciated that bridge 46
can be eliminated. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6B, a fastener
can be used to directly connect edges 41 and 43 of panel 40. The
fastener can comprise hooks 80 and loops 82 or any other
alternative fasteners such as those discussed above. In still other
embodiments, edges 41 and 43 can be permanently secured together
such as by stitching, adhesive, seaming, or the like.
[0030] As depicted in FIG. 2, encircling sleeve 18 are a plurality
of compression straps 100 which are closely staggered along the
length of sleeve 18. Straps 22 can be selectively adjusted to
constrict around sleeve 18 so as to selectively regulate the amount
of pressure produced along the length of the arm of the patient. As
depicted in FIG. 4, each compression strap 100 comprises a band 101
having a first end 102 and an opposing second end 104. Second end
104 loops through a D-ring 106 so that D-ring 106 is secured
thereat. By passing first end 102 of band 101 through D-ring 106
and then pulling band 101 back over itself, band 101 constricts
around sleeve so as to increase pressure on the arm of the patient.
Once band 101 constricts to the desired extent, a fastener is used
to hold band 101 in the desired position. For example, a hook
material 108 and loop material 110, such as in conventional Velcro,
can be mounted on band 101 for securing band 101 in the desired
constriction. In alternative embodiments, other conventional
fasteners such as pins, snaps, hooks, buttons, clips, ties, and the
like can be used.
[0031] It is appreciated that compression straps 100 can come in a
variety of different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
Furthermore, compression straps 100 can function in a variety of
different ways so as to selectively increase pressure on the arm.
For example, the manually constricting straps can be replaced with
one or more inflatable bladders that encircle the arm. By inflating
the bladders, the pressure on the arm increases.
[0032] In the embodiment depicted, compression straps 100 can be
selectively removed from sleeve 18 so that sleeve 18 can be used
independent of compression straps 100. Although not required, to
facilitate ease in mounting compression straps 100 on sleeve 100, a
strip 112 of loop material is mounted along the length of sleeve
100. A complementary patch 114 of hook material is mounted on band
101 at or toward second end 104. By selectively pushing patch 114
against strip 112, compression strap 100 is releasably mounted to
sleeve 18 to assist in subsequent use thereon. Again, strip 112 and
patch 114 can be switched or replaced with any other conventional
type of fastener such as pins, snaps, hooks, buttons, clips, ties,
and the like.
[0033] Returning again to FIG. 2, as previously mentioned sleeve 18
can be formed and used without hand portion 20. In the embodiment
depicted, however, hand portion 20 is integrally formed with or
mounted on the distal end of sleeve 18. Hand portion 20 includes a
tubular, substantially rectangular finger section 90 having a
tubular thumb section 92 projecting off from a side thereof. A
stitch line 94 separates finger section 90 from thumb section
92.
[0034] As discussed above, sleeve 18 is designed for use with
compression straps 100. In contrast, hand portion 20 is designed to
apply the desired pressure absent of any compression straps.
Specifically, hand portion 20 includes outer layer 50, inner layer
54, and intermediate layer 60 as discussed above with regard to
sleeve 18. In contrast to sleeve 18, however, a cushion layer 96 is
disposed between intermediate layer 60 and outer layer 50. Cushion
layer 96 can comprise any flexible, breathable, resiliently
compressible material such as those discussed above with regard to
intermediate layer 60. In one embodiment, compression layer 96
comprises a layer of open cell polymeric foam having a thickness in
a range between about 4 mm to about 30 mm with about 7 mm to about
15 mm being more common. Other dimension can also be used. In
contrast to being formed from a single layer, compression layer 96
can be comprised of two or more layers of the same of different
material. It is also appreciated that intermediate layer 60 can be
eliminated in hand portion 20 and the thickness of compression
layer 96 increased.
[0035] As depicted in FIG. 3, by increasing the thickness of hand
portion 20 relative to sleeve 18, the portion of channel 24 passing
through hand portion 20 is further decreased. As a result,
increased pressure is applied to the hand of a patient received
within hand portion 20. As with sleeve 18, it is also desirable
that the pressure applied by hand portion 20 gradually increase
proximal to distal. Hand portion 20 is designed to apply sufficient
pressure so that the unwanted fluid drains out of the hand without
the application of compression straps 100 on hand portion 20. In
one embodiment, hand portion 20 has a thickness extending from
interior surface 30 to exterior surface 32 in a range between about
1 cm to about 4 cm with about 1.5 cm to about 3 cm being more
common. Other dimensions can also be used.
[0036] Another unique benefit of the embodiment of compression
garment 10 as depicted in FIGS. 1-4 is that the same garment can be
used in multiple stages of the treatment of lymphedema and other
forms of edema. For example, the treatment of lymphedema is
typically a two stage process: decongestive phase and management
phase. The decongestive phase is used to initially drain the
unwanted fluid from the extremity. This is accomplished by applying
a relatively high pressure to the extremity over a continuous and
extended period of time. For example, in treating an arm of a
patient, the arm is received within compression garment 10.
Compression straps 100 are then selectively tightened with the
pressure gradually increasing proximal to distal. Applied pressures
are typically in a range between about 10 mm Hg to about 100 mm Hg.
Other pressures can also be used. Depending on the severity of
case, compression garment 10 is typically retained in this state
for staggered intervals of about 72 hours during a 2-3 week period.
During the decongestive phase, the unwanted fluid drains out of the
arm by creating new drain paths within the arm.
[0037] Once the decongestive phase is over, the patient moves to
the management phase where the applied pressures are lower and are
applied at periodic intervals. For example, depending on the
severity of the case, the applied lower pressures may need to be
applied every 2-3 times a day, only at night, or only every couples
of days. In one embodiment, compression straps 100 can again be
used to apply the desired pressure during the management phase.
Alternatively, compression straps 100 can be completely removed
from sleeve 18 as discussed above.
[0038] Depicted in FIG. 7, once the compression straps 100 are
removed, a tubular, resiliently stretchable sock 116 is stretched
over sleeve 18. Sock 116 is typically open at both ends and is
positioned so as to cover the entire length of sleeve 18 but not
cover hand portion 20. In other embodiments, sock 116 can also
cover hand portion 20. Sock 116 is designed so as to apply the
desired pressure or pressures over the length of sleeve 18 so as to
prevent the accumulation of fluid within the arm.
[0039] The use of sock 116 is typically preferred over compression
straps 100 in the management phase in that sock 116 is less bulky,
is easier to apply, is less conspicuous, and allows greater arm
movement than compression straps 100. For example, because of the
low profile of sleeve 18, sleeve 18 with sock 116 can be received
within the arms of a suit coat or jacket so as to be worn without
significant notice. Sock 116 is applied over sleeve 18, as opposed
to being used independent of sleeve 18, because sleeve 18 provides
some cushioning so that sock 116 does not kink and cut off blood
flow when a patient bends his or her arm. Furthermore, sleeve 118
continues to produce high and lower pressure points on the skin so
as to provide increase fluid flow as discussed above.
[0040] In view of the foregoing, because of the low profile design
of sleeve 18, sleeve 18 can be used in both the intensive and
management treatment phases of edema. This is beneficial over many
conventional techniques which require two completely separate
systems for the intensive and management treatment phases.
[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, means are
provided for constricting at least a potion of body 16 when body 16
is in the at least substantially tubular configuration. By way of
example and not by limitation, corresponding structure that
accomplishes such means includes sock 116, one or more compression
straps 100, inflatable bladders, and alternatives to the foregoing
as discussed herein.
[0042] Depicted in FIG. 8 is another alternative construction for
sleeve 18. In this embodiment of sleeve 18 like elements are
identified by like reference characters. As depicted, sleeve 18
comprises outer layer 50 having inner layer 54 mounted directly
thereagainst. However, mounted on interior surface 56 of inner
layer 54 is a cover layer 120. Cover layer 120 is comprised of a
resiliently stretchable material such as Lycra or the like. Cover
layer 120 helps to protect and keep clean inner layer 54. To assist
in maintaining the pressure projections on inner layer 54, cover
layer 120 is secured to inner layer 54 by resiliently stretching
cover layer 120. Either before and/or after stretching cover layer
120, an adhesive is applied to an exterior surface of cover layer
120 and/or the interior surface of inner layer 54. Stretched cover
layer 120 is then bonded to inner layer 54. Once the adhesive has
set, the stretching force is released.
[0043] The above discussion was primarily directed to compression
garment 10 as depicted in FIG. 1. It is appreciated, however that
the same discussion is also applicable to compression garment 12
for use with a leg of a patient. For example, compression garment
12 comprises a body 122 which includes a tubular sleeve 124 to
receive a leg of the patient and a foot portion 126 to receive a
foot of a patient. Compression garment 12 can have the same
alternative layers as compression garment 10 and can be used with
compression straps 100 and sock 116. Although compression garment
14 can have the same structural alternatives as compression garment
10, it can be more difficult to apply compression straps 100 to
compression garment 14. However, a sock 116 and/or inflatable
bladder could be applied over compression garment 14.
[0044] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. For example, compression garment 10 is discussed
as having a number of different benefits. It is appreciated that a
number of alternative embodiments of compression garment 10 can be
made which include only one or combinations of the various
benefits. As such, the described embodiments are to be considered
in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope
of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *